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Diatonic Scale Question
http://w-ww.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10128&t=35186
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Author:  WudWerkr [ Sun Jan 29, 2012 7:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Diatonic Scale Question

I am wondering about somthing . I am building the Dulcimer for the Challenge that calls for a 27" Scale , I want to shorten it . I know very little about this aspect . I am assuming that I cannot just eleminate the first fret Move the Markers accordingly and shorten it that much can I ? Or Can I ? How do I properly shorten the scale without messing up ? Or am I over thinking this ?

Author:  TheIllicitOne [ Sun Jan 29, 2012 7:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Diatonic Scale Question

I'm kind of a newb so somebody correct me if I'm wrong but I'm thinking you'll have to recalculate your fret positions to shorten the scale length.

Author:  P Bill [ Mon Jan 30, 2012 12:19 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Diatonic Scale Question

I'm thinking yes. The problem is where does the bridge go? Say it was a mando and the bridge stayed in the same place the body join is now the 11 th fret. I'm guessing here.

Author:  Chris Oliver [ Mon Jan 30, 2012 9:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Diatonic Scale Question

http://www.mimf.com/archives/dulcimer_fretcalc.htm

Author:  cecil carroll [ Mon Jan 30, 2012 10:36 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Diatonic Scale Question

Chris has got it right Wud. The calculator will let you do whatever scale length you wish. I use a 26" scale and it helps to reduce the span when playing cords.
By the way my challenge build is also a dulcimer. Black walnut B&S with sitka spruce top. I'll post some pictures when i get a little less lazy.

Cecil

Author:  WudWerkr [ Mon Jan 30, 2012 1:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Diatonic Scale Question

Thanks guys , I appreciate the help .

Author:  bob sears [ Sat Feb 25, 2012 1:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Diatonic Scale Question

This is probably to late to help but there is a program called wfret that will give you whatever scale you want and you can print it out and just mark it off. Octive for diatonic is the seventh fret which would be 12th fret on guitar. Been building dulcimers for over 30 yrs and scale length used to be 29-31 inches. Standerd now is 25 so people can play chords easier.

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